Airlines make preparations for Super Typhoon Ragasa

Airlines have begun to make preparations ahead of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is forecast to hit Hong Kong later this week

Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to hit Hong Kong later this week (image courtesy Leo Zank/Shutterstock)

Storm Ragasa, currently tracking its way northeast from the Philippines, is on course to make landfall in Hong Kong in the middle of this week.

Forecasters are warning of conditions similar to Super Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, both of which caused widespread disruption across the territory. Winds associated with Ragasa are currently projected to reach up to 210km/h and storm surges could lead to severe flooding and damage in coastal areas.

The predicted strength of the storm means a full suspension of flights could be rolled out at Hong Kong International Airport on Wednesday September 24. Depending on the storm’s path, unconfirmed industry sources say airlines may even begin evacuating aircraft from Hong Kong on the evening of September 23 to protect them from the force of the storm. The last time such a large-scale removal was made was during Super Typhoon Songda in 2018.

Hong Kong Observatory is forecasting that Ragasa will strengthen in the coming days as it passes by the Luzon Strait and moves towards the city. Deteriorating weather is expected from Tuesday onwards, with the possibility of a T10 warning being raised on Wednesday. Gale-force winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain are all expected.

Free flight rebookings and cancellations

Delays and cancellations are expected from September 23 to 25. Passengers should monitor airline announcements and expect disruption from mid-week and into the latter half of the week; once the storm has passed, airlines will need to reposition aircraft to restore normal services. 

• Cathay Pacific says it will waive rebooking fees for flights leaving from or arriving into Hong Kong between September 23 and 25. Passengers can reschedule their flights without additional charges as long as changes are made by September 25 and the new travel dates are before November 30.

• Hong Kong Airlines will also waive rebooking and rerouting fees for affected services.

• Greater Bay Airlines passengers with flights between September 23 and 25 can rebook their tickets free of charge within seven days of the original departure date. Those with flights booked on September 24 can request a full refund if they wish to cancel their flight.

At midday on September 21, the Hong Kong Observatory reported that Super Typhoon Ragasa was centred about 720 kms northeast of Manila. The storm was forecast to move northwest towards the Luzon Strait and continue to intensify. The weather is predicted to improve briefly on Monday with very hot conditions forecast, before deteriorating on Tuesday. Gale to storm force winds are predicted on Wednesday, possibly reaching hurricane offshore, as well squally showers and a significant storm surge. Winds will weaken gradually on Thursday.